30 mm OME coils and standard shocks ?

[Izak]

Hello
I got a set of OME coils from Ricster. Went to Megaworld to make an appointment to have it fitted (did not have the coils with me) without changing the shocks (shocks are expensive!!!!). The workshop manager gave me the serial numbers that indicate what the load capacity of the coils is and according to them it is the 30mm lift for soft coils (according to the number).

At that time when I was there we still thought that it was a 50mm lift and they would not fit them as the existing shocks will not be able to accommodate the travel of 50mm coils. Now I am wondering if it is only 30mm lift, will the existing shocks be able to accommodate?

Soon I hope to upgrade to a full set of EFS components, but, with these coils being only 30mm, will my existing shocks be good enough?

Cheers

[ricster]

Was that from the tag on one of the rear coils?.... unfortunately the other 3 tags I presume fell off over the time they were fitted under the Iron Maiden....

The rear coils may have been "soft"....not sure as they were already fitted when I bought the Patrol, but the previous owner said that he towed a large boat with the patrol.... so i would assume that he would have had at least medium duty coils in.... BUT .... Its possible that he didn't own the Patrol when the coils were fitted either.

But getting back to the important issue.... Will the shocks work with the higher coils. It is probably not the best thing to do, due to the fact that when a full flex of the axle is achieved the shock I presume will become the bump stop too. I presume this is not good for the shock..... BUT.... you will only really achieve a full or even almost full flex out on an off road course. So as a temporary setup I cant see it being an issue, but longer shocks are definitely going to be needed should you venture offroad.

I think these fitment centers have also to be careful when doing this particular setup. They take responsibility if they install those coils, and probably open themselves up to a possible bad situation should something go wrong. It would be interesting to see a before measurement, then remove/disconnect the shocks and fit the OME coils and compare the height measurement.

[Peter Connan]

Firstly, remember that standard shocks and standard bump stops were designed to work together. In other words, there will be no problem in "bump" (IE when the wheels move upward relative to the body). Particularly the rear suspension on a Patrol can "droop" very far. What will stop it will either be the shocks or the anti-sway bar.

However, with normal usage, this pretty much only happens in a cross-axle situation, and it is a relatively slow movement. The force consists mostly only of the spring force at it's fullest extent, IE not very much, and in this situation I doubt any harm will be done.

What could cause damage, is if you "ramp" the vehicle, as might happen at the top of a steep slope or dune if you go over too fast. This is why off-road racing vehicles usually have straps preventing the axles/wheels from "drooping" too far.

I believe that as a temporary measure, it should not be a problem. If any damage is caused, it will be only to the shocks, which are due for replacement anyway.